The volatility inside the GOP primary electorate does not mean that there would be automatic support in polls for a “centrist” third-party challenger. When “very conservative” voters launch a half dozen candidates into fleeting contention with Romney because they cannot abide the former governor, it does not follow that there is an opportunity for a “centrist” candidate to poll in double digits.

Needless to say, I agree with Larison. There are few things that drive me nuttier than the idea that the two parties are controlled by their extremes. American politics is actually tightly centrist. All you have to do to recognize this is go to Europe and witness a parliamentary election.

Larison is right that the disaffected masses are disaffected precisely about issues that both parties agree with the self-appointed centrists on (bailouts, trade, foreign policy, corporatism, etc.). The people behind Americans Elect who think that there is room for some exquisite centrist need to get out more.

Also, as best as I can tell, AE is not attracting the sort of high profile “thoughtful” centrists they had hoped. It is attracting a lot of the type of people that third parties always attract in America. Roemer is probably the biggest name they have attracted, and while he might be moderate in some sense, he is running a populist campaign.

Americans Elect represents the birth of a new form of personal political expression and voting, thanks to internet technology. No longer will it be necessary for voters to listen passively as parties, media talking heads, and special interests attempt to manipulate their thoughts and emotions for political gain. Political campaigns and decision making will be voter-centered and driven by their preferences, with candidates selected for matching the views of the members of the electorate instead of party, media, and other vested interests. Think of the time and money saved as attention shifts toward defining the issues and creating potential solutions instead of blaming, distorting, and creating distrust. By turning our attention toward the Americans Elect process and away from theatrical party nonsense we can reclaim our individual voices and power, and make sure it evolves in a manner that serves the common good.